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Valencia retains IRTA 'Best Grand Prix' Trophy
(Crash.Net)
Updated: 2006-01-24 10:04 The Gran Premio De La
Comunitat Valeciana, held at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit on the outskirts of the
city of Valencia, has won the coveted IRTA Trophy as 'Best Grand Prix' for 2005.
The success is particularly sweet for the event organisers as Valencia regained
the Trophy that they won in both 2002 and 2003.
Competition for the Trophy is intense and Valencia narrowly edged out
Malaysia and the Czech Republic in a very close poll. The same three grands prix
topped the poll in 2004 with Valencia finishing second to Brno.
The IRTA Trophy is awarded based upon a point scoring system that covers
every aspect of the running of a grand prix. Riders' safety, trackside
officials' measures and medical facilities are of paramount in motorsport and
Valencia excels in all departments.
The circuit itself is also unique in many ways. Set in a natural bowl
amphitheatre that seats 60,000 race fans each one able to see the entire 4.005
km circuit. Featuring nine left and five right hand corners crammed into the
4.005 km lap, with a start - finish straight measuring just 876mts competitors
have precious little time to relax.
The shape of the circuit, fanatical race fans and close racing combine to
generate an almost gladiatorial atmosphere that inspires the competitors.
"I was very happy to learn that Valencia has regained the IRTA Trophy as
'Best Grand Prix' of 2005," said IRTA president Sito Pons. "Not because I am
Spanish I wish to add, although that gives me additional pleasure. No, I am
happy because it shows the commitment and dedication that the Valencia
organisation displayed in their efforts to be the best grand prix.
"Competition for the IRTA Trophy is intense and grands prix such as Valencia,
Malaysia, the Czech Republic and Mugello have set very high standards and I am
happy to say these circuits have inspired others to improve the quality of their
performances. For Valencia to win the trophy three times in four seasons is an
excellent performance and everybody at IRTA joins me in thanking all those
involved with the event for the friendly, cooperative, and above all
professional manner in which they operate.
"The race is the final event of a very arduous 17-race season and everybody
is tired when they arrive at Valencia following a series of fly-away races. But
Valencia is a very special grand prix. Superb organisation apart the circuit
layout virtually guarantees close racing and the incredible atmosphere generated
by the spectators is unique in grand prix racing. Once again I congratulate all
concerned with the race," concluded Pons.
IRTA Trophy Roll of Honour
1984 Silverstone / GB
1985 Hockenheim / Germany
1986 Nurburgring / Germany
1987 Assen / Netherlands
1988 Suzuka / Japan
1989 Donington Park / GB
1990 Jerez / Spain
1991 Donington Park / GB
1992 Catalunya / Spain
1993 Eastern Creek / Australia
1994 Eastern Creek / Australia
1995 Mugello / Italy
1996 Mugello / Italy
1997 Mugello / Italy
1998 Phillip Island / Australia
1999 Brno / Czech Republic
2000 Mugello / Italy
2001 Catalunya / Spain
2002 Valencia / Spain
2003 Valencia / Spain
2004 Brno / Czech Republic
2005 Valencia / Spain
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